Today, I had an in-depth conversation with a community member, G, about the minimum attention given to the harm reduction debate within his ethnic community. Our dialogue resulted in a productive exchange of perspectives and a greater mutual understanding. While G did not fully support harm reduction, our conversation brought us closer together and helped… Continue reading

At an intercultural meeting organized by Richmond Multicultural Community Services today, a diverse group gathered to share their experiences as newcomers to Canada. Despite the small turnout, the attendees represented different cultural backgrounds, migration contexts, and age groups. Together, we expressed gratitude for Canada’s welcoming environment while discussing the challenges we faced during the settlement… Continue reading

Today, I had a meeting with Alan Hill, who’s the Inclusive Community Coordinator for Richmond Multicultural Community Services.  I was encouraged by Alan’s work to bring people together for dialogue.  Our country welcomes people with different cultures to come to live here together.  For me, the success of multiculturalism relies on our intercultural work.  If… Continue reading

The Richmond Food Aid Society Coalition invited me to a Zoom meeting, where I connected with individuals and faith groups dedicated to enhancing food security in the community. It was disheartening but not unexpected to learn that the supply of food donations is still insufficient to meet the growing demand. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that… Continue reading

As a guest, I had the privilege of attending the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition’s annual general meeting. I was deeply impressed by the hardworking volunteers and their impactful work to combat poverty in Richmond. During the meeting, the staff from VCH delivered an insightful presentation on addressing the stigma associated with substance use. We heard… Continue reading

I met with a Bahai leader at a coffee shop this morning. His stories of faith and perseverance touched me despite facing persecution. We planned to meet again to explore spirituality and interfaith connections. After our meeting, I spoke to two gentlemen who were having a Bible study. The leader emphasized the importance of sharing… Continue reading

I was privileged to attend Richmond Multicultural Community Services’ “Strengthening Our Cross-Cultural and Interfaith Connection” event.  To my surprise, it was an incredibly engaging and inspiring gathering. The organizers invited the Vancouver Playback Theatre (VPT) team to lead the session. VPT specializes in Playback Theatre, an interactive form of improvisational theatre that allows audience members… Continue reading

I recently had an enlightening lunch with Fr. Matthew, a dedicated Street Outreach Priest in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) for nearly two decades.  Fr. Matthew shared invaluable insights and experiences about street ministry with me. One aspect that particularly struck me was the fact that individuals as young as 45 are considered seniors in DTES,… Continue reading

I recently had a meaningful conversation with an outreach worker at the Ann Vogel Clinic, where I received training on using a Naloxone Kit. The clinic provides outreach services and welcomes walk-in clients seeking harm reduction services or interested in discussing their stabilization or treatment options. During our conversation, I learned that a significant number… Continue reading

Today, during my visit with MH, I learned about his challenges while sleeping on the street for several years. MH expressed his concerns about the increasing dangers of street life and his feelings of resignation while waiting for housing from BC Housing. Being homeless is much more difficult than many people realize. To help individuals… Continue reading